P03 | Products available for purchase through e-commerce and at ethnic retail outlets: focus on food allergens

Purpose. Consumers' growing curiosity toward new food products, combined with the presence of non-European communities in Italy and the spread of e-commerce platforms, has favored the introduction of pre-packaged foods imported from third countries onto the national market. In this context, the information provided on the label can pose a challenge, both due to linguistic and cultural barriers, and due to the differences in regulatory requirements between the countries of origin and the European Union. This study investigated the consistency between the information on the original labels and their Italian translations, with particular attention to the ingredient list and allergen declaration, on foods produced in non-EU countries and marketed in Italy. Methods. A specific checklist was developed to evaluate the labeling of 82 pre-packaged samples obtained through three distribution channels: • e-commerce (n. 42): with ingredients of plant origin (No. 26), animal origin (No. 4), composite products with plant and animal ingredients (No. 12) • specialized ethnic product retail stores (No. 21): with ingredients of plant origin (No. 11), animal origin (No. 1), compound origin (No. 9) • Border Control Post (BCP) (No. 19): with ingredients of plant origin (No. 17), animal origin (No. 1), compound origin (No. 1). Samples with discrepancies between the original label and the Italian translation were subjected to laboratory analysis for the detection of allergens using PCR and ELISA methods. Results. Of the 42 foods evaluated online, 30 were purchased: For 8 (26.7%), the list of ingredients in Italian was missing from the packaging, even though it was visible on the e-commerce platform; Another 8 (26.7%) showed inconsistencies in the translation (n=2) or discrepancies between what was reported on the website and the physical label (n=6). Laboratory results on these 8 samples revealed the simultaneous presence of undeclared soy and milk in 1 sample of red bean-filled biscuit, neither on the Italian label nor on the website. Among the 21 samples purchased at retail outlets, 2 indicated the presence of peanuts and milk among the ingredients in the original language, but not in Italian: The two allergens were confirmed in the laboratory. Finally, out of the 19 samples collected at PCF, 15 (78.9%) showed discrepancies between the labels. For 9 (60%), the analyzes confirmed allergens not listed on the Italian labels: crustaceans (No. 5), mollusks (No. 2), ovoproteins (No. 4), and caseins (No. 1). Conclusions. Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 guaranties consumers the right to clear information, regardless of the product's origin or how it was purchased. The study highlighted critical issues with the labeling of imported foods, particularly regarding the correct declaration of allergens, with potential implications for public health. The non-conformities found confirm the essential role of checks at Border Control Posts and highlight the need for targeted inspections on these supply channels as well. Project realized with the contribution of the Ministry of Health, former General Directorate for Food Hygiene and Safety and Nutrition.